What is a Certificate of Analysis (CoA)

For exporters participating in CBCA (Consignment‑Based Conformity Assessment) or VOC (Verification of Conformity) programmes, submitting a valid Certificate of Analysis (COA) is often a critical requirement especially for food, agricultural products, chemicals, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and raw materials. 

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document issued by COTECNA, certifying the composition and quality of a product.

This article explains what a CoA is, who issues it, and why it plays an essential role in the clearance and certification process. 

1. What Is a Certificate of Analysis (CoA)? 

A Certificate of Analysis is an official document that confirms a product has been tested according to the required safety, regulatory, and quality parameters. This could be manufacturer specifications or agreed specifications between exporter and importer. It is typically issued per batch or per shipment and provides scientific data showing the product meets the specifications declared by the manufacturer or required by the market. 

A COA usually includes: 

• Product name and description 
• Batch or lot number 
• Manufacturing and expiry dates (where applicable) 
• Test methods used 
• Detailed analytical test results 
• Pass/fail judgement or compliance statement 
• Signature of an authorised laboratory or quality manager 

COAs commonly cover these testing categories: 

a. Safety Parameters 

• Microbiological contaminants (E. coli, salmonella, yeast, mould) 
• Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury) 
• Pesticide residues 
• Mycotoxins (aflatoxins for grains and nuts) 

b. Purity / Composition 

• Active ingredient content 
• Nutritional values (protein, fat, carbohydrates) 
• Chemical concentration and purity 
• Additives and preservatives levels 

c. Quality Specifications 

• Moisture content 
• pH levels 
• Viscosity 
• Colour and appearance 
• Particle size 

d. Regulatory Compliance 

• Country specific limits 
• Industry standards 
• Import tolerances 
• Health and safety requirements 

In short: 
A COA verifies the product is safe, authentic, and compliant before it enters the supply chain or crosses borders. 

2. Why Does a CoA Matter? 

A CoA is essential for ensuring the product meets the manufacturer specifications or agreed specifications.It supports the conformity assessment body such as Cotecna in verifying that the goods can be cleared and released into the market. 

COAs help to: 

• Demonstrate compliance with national or international regulations 
• Ensure product safety before shipping 
• Verify authenticity and prevent adulteration 
• Confirm batch consistency 
• Speed up inspections and approvals 
• Reduce rejection risks at destination ports 

COAs are particularly crucial for sensitive or regulated goods such as: 

• Foods and beverages 
• Agricultural commodities 
• Chemicals and petrochemicals 
• Pharmaceuticals and medical products 
• Cosmetics and personal care items 

Without a valid CoA, a shipment may face delays, non‑compliance, or rejection. 

3. Who Issues the Certificate of Analysis? 

A CoA is issued by a laboratory or quality testing facility that analyses the product. These can include: 

• Third party independent laboratories (e.g., Cotecna labs or other accredited facilities) 
• Government approved laboratories (especially for food products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals) 
• Manufacturer’s internal laboratories (must meet programme requirements) 

For CoAs to be accepted under CBCA/VOC regulations, laboratories ideally must be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, ensuring: 

• Technical competence 
• Validated and recognised test methods 
• Proper quality control 
• Trained technical staff 
• Calibrated equipment 

Without recognised accreditation, a CoA may not be accepted, and exporters may face delays in obtaining a Certificate of Conformity (CoC). 

If you would like to apply or learn more about COAs required for CBCA/VOC programmes, contact us or visit our official Cotecna CBCA/VOC webpage. 

About Cotecna

For over 50 years, we have been supporting agriculture, food and pharma, minerals and metals, and consumer products supply chains all over the world. We provide testing, inspection, and certification services to help our clients navigate evolving regulations, ensure product compliance, and support their sustainability journey.